Sandal, thong or the like with reversible tongue, vamp, or strap

ABSTRACT

Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This continuation patent application claims priority to thecontinuation-in-part application having Ser. No. 10/771,196, which wasfiled on Feb. 3, 2004, which claims priority as a continuation-in-partof the divisional patent application having Ser. No. 10/437,140, whichwas filed on May 13, 2003; and is a continuation-in-part of applicationhaving Ser. No. 222,313, filed on Aug. 15, 2002 and also is acontinuation-in-part of the regular letters patent application havingSer. No. 10/122,995 filed on Apr. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,887,which application is derived from a provisional application having Ser.No. 60/285,693, filed Apr. 24, 2001; all owned by a common Assignee.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to footwear, and more specificallypertains to footwear in the category of a sandal, thong, slip-on, clog,or the like, or even a beach shoe, wherein the tongue, gusset, upperpart of the vamp, or strap, may be reversed, in order to change theaesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the overallfootwear, when worn.

Obviously, numerous styles of footwear, constructed of variouscomponents, for achieving a multitude of purposes, have long beenconsidered in the prior art. Most of these types of innovations havebeen in the area of running or athletic shoes, which have beensubstantially in vogue for the past three decades, and wherein variousstyles or modifications to the shoes, as in their sole configuration, tomake them more resilient, or add efficiency to the runner, have beenconsidered in the prior art. In addition, various accessories have beenadded to footwear, such as adding pockets to the side or quarterportions of the shoe, putting a pocket within the tongue or gusset forthe shoe, and these have all been considered in the prior art. Forexample, see the patent to Adamik, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,060, relating tothis type of technology, and their modifications.

This has even considered reversing various components to footwear, inorder to add to their aesthetics, and change their style and appearance,as when worn. For example, the Benjamin U.S. Pat. No. 2,049,347, shows ashoe wherein a strap, held by one or more of D-Rings, can be turned toreverse the positioning of the strap within the shoe structure, as canbe noted therein. In addition, the Tonkel U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,321, showsthe use of a separable tongue held by Velcro to its vamp, but which mustbe removed to provide for its turning and vary the appearance of theshown shoe.

The current invention seeks further modifications to the structure ofthe identified type of footwear, in order to add further variations inthe usage of the shoe, enhance its styling, and further enhance theattractiveness of the sandal, by providing alternative uses andapplications to various of its components, when structured into thefootwear itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the formation of footwear in general, but morespecifically, pertains to the fabrication of what will be genericallydescribed as a sandal type of shoe, which may include a sandal, a thong,a slip-on, a clog, and related types of footwear, but having the conceptof this invention embodied within its structure, as will be readilydetermined upon reviewing this invention. In this particulardevelopment, a select segment of these types of sandals will bereversible, in its structure, as embodied within the manufacturedsandal, so as to provide for a change in the coloration, indicia,design, or to vary other appearance aspects of the sandal, when thestructure of this invention is assembled. In the preferred embodiment,there will be a sandal strap, an upper part of a vamp for a sandal, orthe upper strap portion of a thong, that will be reversible, in itsmanipulation, where these types of components can be turned to exposeone surface, which may have a stylized and attractive surface providedthereon, or it may be reversed, to furnish an entirely differentappearance to the sandal, when worn. This can be done without removal ofthe reversible structure of the shoe.

This invention primarily relates to the modification to structure in asandal type of footwear, in general, as fabricated and worn.

Means are provided for accommodating the reversing of these types ofcomponents in a sandal, and to hold it to the sole of the shoe, or thefront vamp portion, but which components, such as part of a tongue,strap, upper vamp, or the like, can be readily turned, simply uponopening of its fastening feature, which normally holds the components inposition, and which incorporate a swivel, that allows for the componentto be turned, to achieve these results, as previously reviewed.

The concept of this invention is to provide a link between the shoecomponent, of that type as previously explained, as being reversible inthis concept, such as the upper vamp, strap, tongue, or the like, thatlets the wearer reverse these components, as desired, for revealingother coloration, indicia, or design as sought by the wearer. Itprovides versatility to the usage of the sandal. Such a linkage could beor comprise a short length of cord, it may be an elastic or twistablecord, a resilient cord, or perhaps could comprise a swivel clasp, or anyother type or form of clasp, having some degree of flexibility, andwhich may be twisted or turned, as required. In addition, it may includea clasp, formed of a two-part swivel, that may be interconnected betweenthe lower vamp, and the upper vamp, or it may connect between the sandalstrap, and any upper covering portion, such as the upper vamp, or it maycomprise a swivel mechanism that connects with the thong stem, thecomponent that normally fits between at least a pair of toes of thewearer, so as to allow for reversing or swiveling of the upper vamp orstrap, as may be desired. Furthermore, the swivel may be separable,through the exertion of some amount of force, so that the upper vamp orstrap may be removed, and another one relocated, to add furtherdexterity and versatility to the usage of this invention. In order toprevent the unauthorized removal, or the displacement of the turnablecomponents, for such sandals, as for example, when displayed for sale,the pulling force required to separate the clasp, that forms the swivel,may be excessive, up to seventy to eighty pounds (70 to 80 lbs.) or moreof force, or it may only require a slight amount of force, to separatethe clasp, at the desire of the manufacturer, the retailer, or even theuser, once the shoes are placed in usage. It is also likely that thestrap or vamp may be of a compound structure, and have swivel meansbetween each of their sections, which will allow for turning, of justsegments, of the gusset or vamp, along its length or height.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide areversible upper vamp, strap, or the like, for sandals, thongs, clogs,beach shoes, and slip-ons.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reversible componentfor a sandal, that may have difference styles of appearance upon eitherof its surfaces, so that the upper vamp, strap, or the like, can bereversed, and completely change in appearance and attractiveness for thesandal, at the interest of the footwear user. For example, the consumercan coordinate with team colors, fashion trends, and the like.

Still another object of this invention is to provide footwear, in thecategory of sandals that incorporates reversible components, of thisinvention, which adds to the versatility of the appearance and usage ofthe subject footwear.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel swivel thatcan be used for applying the reversible tongue, gusset, upper vamp, orstrap, at the upper central portion of the sandal, to stably hold thesecomponents in position and in place, while the shoe is worn, but whenopened, can be turned, so as to display different aesthetics.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a usage of a swivelmeans, in conjunction with the stem of a thong, or with the bottom capthat holds the thong stem in permanent position, so as to allow theturning and reversing of components that secure with the swivel, asintegrated into the structure of such a style of footwear.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon reviewing the summary of this invention, and upon undertaking astudy of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an open-toedsandal implementing a reversible tongue or upper vamp portion accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a closed-toed sandal implementing a reversibletongue or upper vamp in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an open-toed sandal implementing a reversibletongue or upper vamp according to the present invention, wherein thevamp portion basically only surrounds the toes of the wearer;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a sandal implementing a reversible tongue orupper vamp according to the present invention wherein the tongue is madefrom a stretchable material to eliminate the need for lacings;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a slip-on implementing a reversible tongue orupper vamp according to the present invention wherein the tongue is madefrom a stretchable material to eliminate the need for shoe strings orlacings, and having a lower cut clog-type back portion;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a sandal implementing a reversible doubletongue according to the present invention wherein such that fourpossible color combinations can be shown upon a single sandal;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the ball and socket attachment, for theswivel, according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side partially sectional view of the ball and socketattachment according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a ball portion according the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a ball portion according to the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the socket ball portion according to thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the partial sandal, showing the upper vamp,lower vamp, its reversible upper vamp and tongue, and a link holding thetongue or upper vamp to the sandal, for providing the reversiblefeatures of this invention;

FIG. 13 shows a thong wherein the stem has a swivel provided at itsupper end, for attachment with a strap that is capable of being reversedthrough the functioning of its disclosed swivel;

FIG. 14 shows a thong having a stem, with a swivel integrated within itsstructure, for holding the strap of the thong in place, but allowing forits pivotal reversing, as required;

FIG. 15 shows the swivel of this invention interconnected within thethong cap that holds the lower end of its stem to and through the thongsole, during its usage;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a modification to a sandal showing its strapbeing swively connected to its sole vamp, or strap;

FIG. 17 shows a modification to a sandal wherein its sandal strap isswively connected to a back end of the sandal sole;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a modification to a sandal disclosing itssandal strap being pivotally connected to each lateral extensions of thesandal sole; and

FIG. 19 shows how a related strap, to that as shown in FIG. 18, can bepivotally connected upon the upward lateral extensions of the sole ofthe shown shoe, athletic shoe, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, therein is shownthe concept of the present invention for incorporating swivel or pivotalcomponents into the structure of a sandal. The sandal as describedherein, is used more generically, and generally is intended to describea slab of leather, polymer, rubber, or the like, for forming a sole andwhich is attached to the foot by thongs, or the like. Contemporarily,any open shoe whose upper consist of any decorative or functionalarrangement, such as straps, are generally identified as a sandalherein, and this may include generically what is defined as a sandal, athong, clog, or a slip-on, beach shoe, or the like.

In any event, sandal 1 as shown therein comprises a sole portion 2, asole strap or lower vamp portion 3, and an upper vamp or tongue portion4 as can be noted. The tongue portion 4 is attached to the strap portionby a retaining means 5, of the type as forming a swivel, or otherlinking means, as will be subsequently described. The tongue portion 4is further removably attached to the midsole portion of the shoe sole,by means of a snap 6, as can be noted. One of these will be provided toeither side of the shown sandal. However, the present invention is notlimited to the usage of a snap, since other types of known attachmentsdevices such as Velcro, or the like, as embodied in a hook and pile typeof attachment, can be used for holding the tongue in place, to eitherside of the shown sandal. The reason for this is that when the fasteneris released, on both sides, the tongue or upper vamp 4 may be reversed,through the operations of the swivel or linking means 5, to allow forturning of it to display different coloration or design, for the shownsandal, as desired.

The sandal of FIG. 2 is similar in most respects to the sandal of FIG.1, except that the vamp portion or toe cap 7 is enlarged to cover thetoes of the wearer to resemble a clog-type shoe. In the configuration ofFIG. 2, the vamp portion 8 is preferably sized to allow for a largeramount of the tongue portion to be visible, as can be noted. Then, thiscomponent 8 may be pivoted, about its swivel 9, as desired, to changethe aesthetics of the shown sandal. In addition, a clasp or otherfastener of the types as previously reviewed, as noted at 10, may beopened, to allow for reversing of the tongue 8, and once performed, canbe refastened in place, through the use of such types of clasps, so thatthe sandal may be immediately worn, but exhibiting an entirely differentstyle of design, or coloration, as explained.

The sandal of FIG. 3, as noted at 11, is of a somewhat different style,in design. For example, it includes a lower vamp or sole strap portion12 that permanently connects with the sandal sole 13, and then furtherintegrates a pair of shallow quarter portions 14 integrally formed toeither side of the sole, and provided for accommodating the removable orreversible connection of the tongue or upper vamp portion 15 thereto.Any type of clasping mechanism, as at 16, may be utilized, to eitherside, for holding the tongue 15 in place. But, when the fasteners 16 areopened, as can be understood, the tongue 15 may be swiveled about theswivel connection 17 to allow the entire upper vamp to be reversed, inits positioning, and to display different aesthetics, as previouslysummarized.

Obviously, the style of sandal as shown herein could just as easily bemodified, and constructed, for use for domestic services, such as foruse as a slipper, or the like, for application around the household. Or,it may be made more into the style of a thong, as previously explained,to be used for casual purposes, or for wearing at the beach, as can alsobe understood.

In FIG. 4, therein is shown a slip-on type of shoe, or sandal, 18,incorporating a sole portion 19, a vamp 20, a tongue 21, and a retainingmeans 22, provided to either side of the tongue, to fasten the tongue inplace, when the slip-on is utilized. In addition, a swivel 23 isprovided, in order to allow the tongue 21 to be turned, as desired. Thetongue 21 may be made from any known stretchable or resilient type ofmaterial, and may be attached by a hook and loop type of fasteningmeans, as at 22, to the quarter portions as at 24, as can be understood.Obviously, there can be an overlap at the region 22, where the fasteningmeans is provided, in order to allow for interconnection for these typecomponents. Or, any type of a hook or loop can be utilized, to simplyattach the tongue 21 to the upper quarter portion 24, at theselocations, in order to structure the shoe in manner that allows it to beworn, as a sandal. When the wearer wears the sandal of FIG. 4, thestretchable tongue will stretch to provide a tight fit of the sandal, tomaintain it on the foot of the wearer, during usage.

In FIG. 5, therein it is shown a slip-on type shoe 25, similar to thatas previously explained with respect to FIG. 4, in that its rearportion, as at 26, is low cut, to allow for the foot to be slid onto thesandal, during usage. But, the structured shoe still incorporates a sole27 having a integrated forward vamp 28, an upper vamp, tongue, orgusset, as at 29, and which is secured by means of the swivel orfastening means 30 to the upper edge of shoe vamp 28. The sides of thetongue 29 may fasten, in the region at 31, to the upper quarter portions32 of the shown sandal, on each side thereof. When the tongue 29 isfreed, from its fastening in the region 31, it may be turned about theswivel 30, to expose its opposite side, as may be desired.

FIG. 6 shows another sandal 39, which incorporates its sole portion 34and a vamp portion 33. What is referred to as the tongue portion 35, andwhile it does not fulfill the traditional purposes of a shoe tongue orgusset, it attaches to the vamp 33 with hook and pile fastening means,or other fasteners, in the region of any overlap, as at 36. The sandal39 is made of a front tongue section 37, a rear tongue portion 38,attaching by the retaining means 36, as described above. Thus, theentire tongue segment, including its frontal portion 37 and its reartongue portion 38, will be held in position upon the side portions 40provided to either side of the shown sandal, and which side portions 40are integrated into the structure of the sandal sole, as can be noted.In addition, there is a swivel means 41 inserted between the two tongueportions, so that the tongue portion 38 can be rotated, to displaydifferent designs, and at the same time, the frontal tongue portion 37can likewise be removed from its retention means, 36, and also bereversed, to provide for a compound reversing of the entire tongueportions 35, to display four different variations of coloration, design,or other aesthetics. This will be at the preference of the sandalwearer.

In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 7, there is a swiveltype mechanism 42 utilized in the structured swivel means provided forallowing turning of the various components for the shown sandals. Forexample, as can be seen in both FIGS. 7 and 8, ball and socketattachment 42 comprises a ball portion 43, and a socket portion 44,which may be attached to the upper edge of the vamp, or strap, of thetype as previously preferred to in the various sandals, as explained at3 and 7, in FIGS. 1 and 2. This provides a swivel connection for thepreferred embodiment, wherein the ball portion 43 is preferably bothmovable and offset between a position shown by the said ball portion,and a position shown by the ball portion at 43′, as disclosed in phantomline, in FIG. 8. Thus, not only is the ball portion rotatable within itssocket portion 44, as can be understood, but it is also capable of beinginclined, so as to raise the tongue or upper vamp, as it is beingturned, and to allow clearance, both for turning of the tongue, butlikewise to aid in the insertion of the foot, where required. As aresult, the tongue of any sandal is fully rotatable about an axis,generally focused at the center of the ball 45, which allows for aslight incline to the ball portion, as can be noted. The ball portion 45preferably is made from a resilient polymeric material. In addition, andas previously explained, it may be desired to provide a basis forseparation of the ball portion, from within the socket, when the userdesired to change gussets or tongues, and that force can be eitherminimal, or perhaps even at a high strength, as previously explained, sothat during shipment, storage, or display upon the market, the tonguecan not be too easily removed, by unauthorized persons, until such timeas the pair of sandals are sold. In addition, the ball 45 sits within asocket portion 46, that provides a cavity 47 therein, for accommodatingthe ball 45, in the manner as can be understood. In addition, the socketportion 46 may be formed of two parts, having first side 48 and a secondside 49 that may be secured together, to form the cavity 47, aspreviously explained. The ball portion may include a flange 50, whichallows for this part of the swivel to be connected to its sandalcomponent, such as the front of the tongue, upper vamp, or the like,while the bottom portion of the socket 46, formed as the extension tabs51, and 52, are provided for securing to or stitching with the upperedge of the lower vamp, sole strap, or the like, forming the structuredsandals, as previously explained. It can be understood, the swivel mayconnect along the extension 50 to the lower part of the tongue orgusset, and likewise, the portions or extensions 51 and 52 will besecured to upper edge of the vamp, either by locating it intermediatethereof, or simply being stitched or otherwise secured in place, as canbe understood. The portions 51 and 52 may be attached to the vamp of theshoe, in a similar manner as the ball portion 43 may attach to thetongue, gusset, upper vamp, or the like, in the manner as previouslyexplained.

In addition, the diameter of the bore 47 may be selected such that theball 45 may be forcibly removed from its socket 47 by resilientlydeflecting the top part, as noted at 43′, with respect to its socket ascan be noted. Furthermore, this allows sufficient deflection to provideclearance between the upper vamp or tongue, or strap, as the foot isbeing inserted into the sandal, or to aid in this removal, as noted.Alternatively, it can be provided that the ball 45 is not removable fromthe bore 47. In this instance, it can be seen that the socket 47 may beformed of the two halves 45 and 46, as previously explained. These twoparts may be adhesively or otherwise secured together, to form thepermanent socket 47, as noted. Thus, to provide for a permanent mount ofthe ball 45 within the socket bore 47, the ball 45 must be placed withinthe socket before the top and bottom parts 45 and 46 are attached to oneanother. Or, as previously explained, there may be some slightresiliency in the upper part 43, to allow the ball 45 to be forciblyremoved from the socket when it is desired to separate the tongue, uppervamp, or strap, from the shown shoe, as noted. In either instance, it ispreferred that the ball 45 and hence the tongue or strap, havesufficient clearance to allow for the tongue to be rotatable by means ofits ball 45 within the socket bore 47, in order to expose a second sideof the tongue or strap, as can understood. In this manner, the tongue ofthe shoe may have first and second sides, as may be configured into thestructure of any strap that a swivel applies to the lower vamp or solestrap, of differing color, material, designs, and/or displaying indicia,and may be alternatively displayed by the user by mere rotation of thetongue or strap, to achieve the spirit of this invention.

It is further just as likely that the ball and socket connection couldbe replaced with a bayonet style of locking device, for example, with abayonet style of swivel locking device, the tongue may be pivoted in onedirection, to expose its upper surface from the shoe sole, or it may bepivoted in a 180° (180 degrees) direction, to expose the bottom portionof the shoe tongue or strap. But, at the midpoint or 90° (90 degrees)turn, the stem extending off the ball portion may obtain clearance fromthe socket for removal of the top part of the bayonet lock, and thetongue, from the vamp or socket. Or, one of that bead style of ball andsocket connectors, such as currently available for use in theconstruction of a necklace, bracelet, or the like, could be adapted foruse for swively connecting the tongue or gusset to the vamp portion ofthe footwear.

The concept of this invention may be generally paraphrased by reviewingFIG. 12. Essentially, the essence of the invention is to provide somelinking means, as at 53, that holds the tongue, strap, or other memberto be reversed, as at 54, to the upper portion of the sandal vamp,strap, or the like, as at 55, and which may be permanently affixed tothe sandal sole, during its construction. Hence, the linking means maybe any one of the swivels, an elastic cord, a flexible rubber orpolymer, or an elastic means, that allows the tongue to be twisted andreversed, in its setting, during usage. And, as previously explained,the concept of the invention is to also provide that when a swivel isused, one that may possibly be separated, to allow the tongue toactually be removed, and replaced with a substitute tongue, gusset, orstrap, for adding further to the design and coloration of the sandal,when worn. Obviously, the reversible tongue or strap can be formed froma variety of materials, whether it be a fabric, polymer, leather,transparent acrylic or polyethylene, and any of such materials which addto the attractiveness to the shoe, but at the same time, providereasonable strength and sturdiness to withstand constant and repeatusage.

FIG. 13 shows how the concept of this invention can be applied to asandal structured in the category of a thong. The thong 56, as shown, isprovided with a sole portion 57 as known in the art. Then, a stem 58stands upwardly from the sole, and normally, in a thong, this becomes atoe strap or stem that extends between various of the toes of the foot,when the thong sandal is worn. At the upper end of the stem there isprovided a swivel 59 similar to those as previously described withrespect to FIGS. 7 through 11. The upper part 60 of the swivel connectswith a strap 61, and the strap then extends rearwardly for connection tothe sole fasteners 62, one being provided to either side of the shownthong, secured in place by means of any type of a fastening means, suchas a supplemental strap held by Velcro, as at 63, or a buckle, or anyother type of fastening means. Similar types of fastening means will beprovided wherein the strap, as at 64, extends to the opposite side ofthe thong sole, so that it likewise can be loosened. When both of thefastening means 63 are opened, the strap 61 can be turned about itsswivel 59, so as to expose its other surface, which may include adiffering coloration, indicia, design, or the like, within the conceptof this invention.

A similar type of structure is shown in FIG. 14, where the sole 65 ofthe shown sandal thong includes a shallow stem 66, having its swivel 67arranged intermediate thereof, and which extends upward, as at its upperswivel portion 68 in connection with the reversible strap 69, in themanner as previously explained. Once again, various types of fasteners,one as shown at 70, can be provided to either side of the thong, toallow for loosening, and turning of the strap 69, to change itsappearance.

A further method of connecting the swivel to the upper part of the soleas shown at 71, in FIG. 15, and discloses how that upper part of theswivel may connect into the cap portion as at 72, that connects with thesole of the thong, to hold its stem, as at 73, in place. Thus, with astrap, similar to those as previously explained with respect to thestraps 61 and 69, provided at the upper end of the stem 73, such a strapcan be reversed and turned in position, through the agency of its swivelcomponent 71, that embeds within the cap portion of the stem, andaffixes it to the thong sole, as can be seen.

Other variations upon the structure of this type of sandal or thong canbe seen in FIG. 16, where the sandal sole 74 includes a sole strap 75,affixed thereto, and includes a foot strap 76 held by the swivel 77, sothat when the foot strap 76 is opened, it can be swiveled and turned inposition so as to expose its opposite side.

In addition, FIG. 17 shows how the sandal strap 78 may be affixed by aswivel, as at 79, to the back end of the sandal sole, as at 80, so thatwhen the fastening means, such as Velcro, arranged at the frontal edgeof the strap 78, as at 81, is opened, the strap may be pivoted in place,to expose its reverse side, and to change the appearance and aestheticsof the sandal, upon which the structure attaches.

FIG. 18 shows how the securing straps for the shown sandal 82 mayconnect to either side of the sandal sole 83, as along the short lengthof the foot strap 84 one of which connects to either lateral edge of theshown sole, and has the strap 85 connected by the swivels 86, at eachsole, so the strap may be turned in place, to reveal its reverse side,whether the strap is used to embrace the forward portion of the foot, asnoted at 85A, or shifted approximately 120° (120 degrees), for embracingthe back edge of the heel or ankle, as at 85B, to locate the sandal inthat manner.

FIG. 19 discloses how a similar type of strap, as at 87 can be used withan athletic, work, or walking shoe, and extend forwardly, in the manneras shown, or be reversed and turned, by way of its swivels 88 and extendrearwardly, in the manner as shown and described for the strap 85B, ofFIG. 18.

Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention mayoccur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure asprovided herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of thisdevelopment, are intended to be encompassed with in scope of any claimsto invention provided within this patent. The description of thepreferred embodiment, as also depicted in the drawings, is set forthherein for illustrative purposes only.

1. A sandal comprising a sole, a vamp and a tongue portion wherein thetongue portion is attached to the sandal by a linking means that allowsthe tongue portion to be rotated with respect to the vamp to displayalternative sides of the tongue portion to change its appearance.
 2. Thesandal of claim 1 wherein the tongue portion can be rotated with respectto the vamp without removal of the tongue portion from the vamp portion.3. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the sandal is an open-toed sandal. 4.The sandal of claim 1 wherein the tongue portion is further removablyattachable to the vamp.
 5. The sandal of claim 4 wherein the tongueportion is a strap, and the strap is further removalby attachable to thesandal sole with a fastening means.
 6. The sandal of claim 5 wherein thefastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener means.
 7. The sandalof claim 2 wherein the tongue is made of a stretchable, resilientmaterial that conforms to the foot of the wearer to keep the sandal uponthe foot without shoelaces or other means to maintain the shoe snugglyupon the foot of the wearer.
 8. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the tonguecomprises a first tongue portion and a second tongue portion whereineach tongue portion is attached to the vamp with a retaining means,wherein each tongue portion may be individually rotated with respect tothe vamp to alternatively display opposing sides of each tongue.
 9. Thesandal of claim 1 wherein each retaining means comprises a swivel.
 10. Asandal comprising a sole, a sole strap, and a fastening strap portionwherein the fastening strap portion is attached to the sandal strap by aswivel means, which allows the fastening strap portion to be rotatedwith respect to the sandal strap to display alternative sides of thesandal fastening strap portion.
 11. The sandal of claim 10 wherein thesocket comprising a ball portion attached to one of the sandal strapfastening means and the sandal strap, and a socket portion attached tothe other of said sandal strap fastening means and the sandal strap,wherein the ball is rotateably secured within the socket such that thesandal strap fastening means may be rotated approximately 180° (180degrees) without deformation and while still attached to the sandal toalternatively expose a first and second side of the said strap fasteningmeans.
 12. The sandal of claim 11 wherein the swivel allows for rotationof the strap fastener through a limited angle about an axis generallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the swivel.
 13. A sandalcomprising a thong having a sole, a thong stem, and a thong strap, allcapable of securement together, the stem incorporating a swivel meanswithin its structure, so that the thong strap can be rotated to exposeits opposite surfaces for varying the aesthetics of the sandal whenworn.
 14. The thong of claim 13 wherein the swivel is provided at themidpoint of the thong stem.
 15. The thong of claim 14 wherein the swivelis provided at the upper end of the thong stem, and attaches to thethong strap.
 16. The thong of claim 15 wherein the swivel is provided atthe bottom of the thong stem, and secures to the vamp, adhering the stemto the sole of the thong.
 17. A sandal comprising a thong incorporatinga sole, a thong stem, and a thong strap, a stem cap securing the thongstem to the sole, said thong strap connecting with the upper end of thestem, and said strap, at its opposite ends, being removably fastened tothe lateral edges of the thong sole, such that upon opening of thefastening means, the thong strap may be turned to expose its oppositesurface to vary the aesthetics of the thong.
 18. A sandal comprising asole, a sole vamp connecting with an extending upwardly around a forwardportion of the sandal sole, a foot strap removalby connecting proximateeach lateral edge of the sandal sole and extending rearwardly thereof, aswivel interconnecting the foot strap with the sandal sole vamp, wherebyupon loosening of the strap, the strap may be turned to expose itsopposite surface to change the aesthetics of the formed sandal.
 19. Asandal comprising a sole, a partial vamp, and a sandal strap forsecuring with the sandal sole, the strap at its back edge beingconnected by a swivel with the approximate back of the sandal sole, thefastening of the front of the sandal straps with the vamp beingremovable to allow for pivoting of the sandal strap to expose itsopposite surface and to change the aesthetics of the formed sandal. 20.A sandal comprising a sole, a vamp, and a sandal strap, the sandal strapbeing swively connected to each lateral edge of the sole to allow forits pivoting to expose an opposite surface and to vary the aesthetics ofthe formed sandal.
 21. The sandal of claim 20 wherein the sandal strapmay extend forwardly to embrace the frontal portion of any foot of awearer of the sandal, or the strap may extend rearwardly, for embracingany ankle of the foot of the wearer of said sandal.